During the 2024 winter transfer window at Anfield, Liverpool are unlikely to sign Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Despite strengthening their midfield in 2023, Liverpool might still consider bolstering their depth in January.
The team has had a positive start to the 2023/24 season and underwent a midfield revamp after finishing fifth in the previous season.
The Merseysiders signed players like Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch to strengthen their midfield options. However, Palhinha is not expected to be part of their winter transfer plans.
Transfer Update: Joao Palhinha to Liverpool
Dean Jones has lauded Joao Palhinha as the Premier League’s best in his position amid recent links to Liverpool.
Despite Palhinha’s excellence, Jones doubts Liverpool’s willingness to offer the £60 million needed for a January transfer.
“Palhinha is outstanding in that role. I think he’s the best in the whole division in that position, and while Fulham expect to hold on to him for the time being, a bid from a team like Liverpool would change that. I don’t think I can see Liverpool coming in with a £60m bid in January to take him away, even though he seems perfect.”
Said Jones.
Reports suggest Palhinha’s advisors have explored potential moves, with Bayern Munich showing interest in the summer, but a deal fell through as Fulham couldn’t secure a replacement. Bayern are expected to revive their interest in January, with Liverpool also in the mix.
However, recent reports from This is Anfield indicate that Liverpool will not pursue Palhinha in January, citing Fulham’s £70 million valuation and Jurgen Klopp’s lack of plans to reinforce the holding midfield role.
Liverpool faces West Ham in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on December 20, followed by a crucial clash against Arsenal on December 23.
Despite the links to Palhinha, it’s reported that Klopp has no intention of acquiring the former Sporting CP star.
The Reds conclude 2023 with a Boxing Day match against Burnley, aiming to end the transitional year on a positive note.
The potential move of Palhinha adds intrigue to Liverpool’s transfer dynamics as they navigate important fixtures in their pursuit of the Premier League title for the 2023/24 season.
